Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (recto); Sketch of the Queen of Sheba (verso)
1590/99
Medium
Pen and iron gall ink on ivory laid paper (recto and verso)
Dimensions
13 × 43 cm (5 1/8 × 16 15/16 in.)
Classification
pen and iron gall ink
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
112793
Art Historical Context
Behold this exquisite double-sided drawing by Bernardo Castello, a prominent Genoese artist active the late 16th century. Created between 1590 and 1599, the recto depicts the biblical encounter between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, from the Old Testament story in 1 Kings where she visits Jerusalem to test his legendary wisdom with riddles and gifts. The verso features a preparatory sketch of the Queen herself highlighting Castello's process of refining figures. This panoramic sheet, measuring just 13 × 43 cm, captures a moment of cultural exchange and splendor in Mannerist style, with e...
About the Artist
Bernardo Castello · 1557–1629
He may have been born in Genoa. Comment on works: Landscapes